Intelligent
Communication
Infrastructures
The main focus of the laboratory is research and development in the fields of IoT, M2M, LoRaWAN, 4G/5G, Open Radio Access Networks and future communication networks.
The laboratory is accredited for conducting tests and trials according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (BDS EN ISO/IEC 17025) of the European Railway Transport Management System (ERMTS).
Services provided
ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) Unit:
Testing of onboard computers (European Vital Computer – EVC) and Balise Transmission Modules (BTM):
- Product certification testing as part of operational compatibility;
- Interim testing during product development to verify compliance of specific characteristics with SUBSET-036 and SUBSET-085 – performed by the laboratory, with the client/manufacturer deciding whether accreditation is required.
Use of laboratory test stands for EVCs and BTMs for research and development, performance testing, and functional analysis of devices. This includes assessment of wireless system coverage through 3D RF measurements, e.g., prеproduction testing according to standards such as ETSI EN 300 220-1, ETSI EN 300 220-2, and others.
IoT and cognitive networks unit:
Conducting R&D activities in next-generation telecommunication networks and the Internet of Things
- Development and testing of specialized software and hardware platforms for simulating and analyzing the performance of next-generation telecommunication networks;
- Design and deployment of private mobile networks.
Activities
Testing of safety-critical onboard computers (EVC – European Vital Computer) according to Subset-26, Subset-076, and Subset-094 requirements;
Analysis of train-to-track compatibility to enable early detection of issues during validation of train/track compatibility based on design data, operational and technical rules, and other information;
Development of specialized software and hardware platforms for simulating and analyzing next-generation telecommunication networks;
Testing of Eurobalises and Balise Transmission Modules (BTM) according to Subset-036 and Subset-085;
Processing of RF data and analysis of communication spectrum usage;
Research and development in radio access technologies, IoT, and M2M communications.
Publications
“Calibration of Statistical Interpolation through Anechoic Chamber Measurements for 3D REM Reconstruction,” 2024 27th International Symposium on Wireless Personal Multimedia Communications (WPMC), Greater Noida, India, 2024, pp. 1-5, doi: 10.1109/WPMC63271.2024.10863612.
A. Ivanov, A. Vlahov, V. Poulkov, T. Yioultsis and Z. Zaharis;
“O-RAN Based User Tracking for Emergency Scenarios,” 2024 27th International Symposium on Wireless Personal Multimedia Communications (WPMC), Greater Noida, India, 2024, pp. 1-5, doi: 10.1109/WPMC63271.2024.10863025;
V. Velyova, A. Vlahov, V. Poulkov and A. Ivanov
“ML-Driven Prediction of QoS in C-V2X Scenarios,” 2024 59th International Scientific Conference on Information, Communication and Energy Systems and Technologies (ICEST), Sozopol, Bulgaria, 2024, pp. 1-4, doi: 10.1109/ICEST62335.2024.10639683;
N. Gotseva, A. Vlahov, V. Poulkov and A. Manolova
A Machine Learning Approach for Network Slice Selection. 1-5. 10.1109/ICEST62335.2024.10639750;
Georgieva, Polya & Vlahov, Atanas & Poulkov, Vladimir & Manolova, Agata. (2024).
6G-based Intelligent, Context-Aware, and Trustworthy User-Centric Healthcare Applications. 1-6. 10.1109/WTS60164.2024.10536689;
Mihovska, Albena & Vlahov, Atanas & Poulkov, Vladimir. (2024).
Equipment
- Temperature chamber WeissTechnik 240/70, temperature range: –70°C to +180°C;
- Signal generators (3 units) Keysight 33522B – 2 channels, 0 ÷ 30MHz range;
- Network analyzer (VNA) Rohde & Schwarz ZVL3, range 9kHz – 3GHz;
- Spectrum analyzer Tektronix RSA5103B, range 1Hz – 3GHz;
- Oscilloscope Keysight DSOX3024A, bandwidth: 200Hz;
- USB power sensors (3 units) Mini-Circuits PWR-SEN-4GHS, 9kHz – 4GHz, –30 to +20dBm;
- Programmable DC power supply Sorensen DLM 600;
- Antennas (reference standard loops) – 27MHz and 4.234MHz;
- Automatic positioning instrument – robot for testing European Vital Computers (EVC), capable of positioning antennas, devices, etc., in 3D space (6000 x 2000 x 800mm) with 0.1mm accuracy;
- Amplifiers (2 units) Amplifier Research AR-150A100B-20dBm 150W and Multitel 30W;
- Additional signal measurement equipment – balancing modules, low-frequency filters, power splitters, couplers, attenuators, cables, loads, etc.;
- Field strength analyzers (2 devices) – selective radiation meter NARDA SRM-3000 with isotropic and single-axis probes, 100kHz – 3GHz, and broadband field meter NARDA NBM-550, 100kHz – 6GHz;
- Additional equipment for simulating environmental conditions – metal objects, metal rails;
- Software-defined radios (9 units) – 3 x USRP B210, 1 x LimeSDR, 5 x ADALM-PLUTO;
- 5G testbed– private mobile network implemented using open-source platforms and off-the-shelfhardware.
Management
Prof. Vladimir Poulkov
Scientific fields:
telecommunications networks and services (including 5G and new RAN technologies), Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M communications, RF data processing and spectrum usage analysis, embedded ICT systems and resource-optimized solutions, simulation and analysis of telecommunication networks, standardization in telecommunications.
Achievements:
over 200 scientific publications. Prof. Poulkov has lead numerous national and international research and educational projects, as well as multiple industrial and engineering initiatives related to the development of the telecommunications network in Bulgaria, implemented in collaboration with leading international companies and Bulgarian telecom operators.
